Renault Clio 1.2 16v

[Rainbowsix]

The Clio 2.0 RS was going for $98K with guaranteed COE a week back when i asked.

 

Compared to $118K sometime earlier..

 

That sounds like a really good deal. Wished I had the dough to get one now.

[Rainbowsix]

Actually there are two Renault Clio 3.0 V6 Mk I in Singapore. One is at Exclusiv Motors with license plate SBM1E. This car was featured in one of the recent issues of Motoring. The other Clio 3.0 V6 is a private owner and I have yet to see it so far.

 

The Clio 3.0 V6 Mk I was criticised for being not that good and the Clio 2.0 RS is a much better buy and thus, the Clio 3.0 V6 Mk II was developed to overcome the problems. If u read November's Autocar Asean, there is a article on it, I think.

[Dreammetal]

98k .. if i would u .. maybe consider gallant sonata camry lor..... better built i guess

[Vinceng]

Was at Ubi the other day and got some time to kill so decided to test drive the new Renault Clio 1.2 16v. Odometer before I test drive was 647 km so rather new. Motoring (Nov Issue) had a rather good write-out on this car and having test drove the earlier Clio 1.4 16v, approached the car with anticipation.

 

Interior had been made more simple (read: cost cutting measure as usual) but still feels rather cosy. When I pulled the handbrake, my hand brushed against the SE. No, it was not a female SE in case u folks are wondering!

 

Anyway, I still find the gear box rather notchy to my liking. Maybe I am too used to Japanese kind of gear box. The ride and handling is still as good as ever and I really like the reassuring thud when the door is closed. Something my current car is not that impressive.

 

In the review, the article stated that the engine is free revving and quoted Civic VTEC drivers will find it as good since there is no red line. The SE encouraged me to try red-lining which I have every intention to. Indeed the engine feels smooth and did not hesitate until it reached 6500 rpm whereby the rev limiter kicked in.

 

I had fun dragging the first two gears to red line and the SE suddenly stopped giving comments about how good the car is, etc. (Maybe that is one of the techniques one should employ to shut them up) However, after from the third gear onwards, the limitations of the small 1.2 L engine begin to make itself and it would be safe to assume that at highway speeds, overtaking must be planned well in advance.

 

The pros of the car is generally the size and safety features. Really carpark friendly and u feel kindda cosy up in front while the rear is for u to allocate to your not so close buddies and let them feel the disadvantages of being tall. (read: headroom really lacking lah!) It has four airbags and boy am I impressed cuz even in some 2L cars, u only get two airbags.

 

The major downside is the relatively high selling price of $68k. For a 1.2 L, that is rather expensive. Of course, not forgetting the usual maintenance problems which I think is not very fair for me to comment since I do not owned one now or before. I did take a peek into the engine bay and discover a huge radiator fan that I suspect was modified to suit the local climate.

 

disclaimer: This test drive report is based strictly on the person writing and is no way influenced by anyone else. And no commissions for me if u decide to buy the car. Just my two cents worth.

 

Fast forward 13 years later,

 

Nissan Note 1.2 = $91K.

Mitsubishi Attrage 1.2 = $95K

Suzuki Solio 1.2 = $96K

Renault Captur 1.2 = $121K

 

At today's prices, $68K to drive for 10 years is dirt cheap in Singapore context.

[flashbang]

Fast forward 13 years later,

 

Nissan Note 1.2 = $91K.

Mitsubishi Attrage 1.2 = $95K

Suzuki Solio 1.2 = $96K

Renault Captur 1.2 = $121K

 

At today's prices, $68K to drive for 10 years is dirt cheap in Singapore context.

 

To be fair, In Dec 2002 COE was 28k, so the cost of the car was 40k.

 

Currently the COE is 56k.

 

Car Cost:

Nissan Note 1.2 = 35k

Mitsubishi Attrage 1.2 = 39k

Suzuki Solio 1.2 = 40k

Renault Captur 1.2 = 65k

 

Looks like the big G is the one profiting...